Alan Shearer Declares Granit Xhaka the Best Midfielder in the Premier League After Sunderland Masterclass

Alan Shearer has showered praise on Granit Xhaka following Sunderland A.F.C.’s hard-fought 0-0 draw against Manchester United F.C. at the Stadium of Light, boldly claiming the Swiss midfielder is currently the benchmark in his position across the Premier League.

In a tense encounter where many expected Manchester United to control proceedings, Sunderland instead produced a disciplined and organised display led by their captain in the heart of midfield. Xhaka’s commanding performance earned widespread admiration, but none louder than Shearer’s glowing verdict in his post-match analysis.

The Premier League Hall of Famer insisted the former Bundesliga star has elevated Sunderland since his arrival on Wearside and now stands above every other midfielder in the division.

“He is the absolute benchmark for that position in the league right now,” Shearer said. “What Xhaka provides in terms of discipline, passing range, and pure leadership is second to none. He completely nullified United’s threat.”

Xhaka was at the centre of everything Sunderland did well throughout the contest. The experienced midfielder completed 67 accurate passes, dominated the central areas, and recorded the highest number of ball recoveries for the Black Cats as they frustrated United from start to finish.

Although the match ended goalless, Sunderland’s tactical discipline and defensive resilience became the main talking points — with Xhaka orchestrating the performance like a true midfield general.

Since his surprise move back to English football from the Bundesliga, the Swiss international has transformed Sunderland into one of the league’s toughest and most organised sides. His leadership, composure, and experience have quickly made him a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light.

Shearer’s comments have now added further weight to growing claims that Xhaka is playing some of the best football of his career. Supporters across social media praised the midfielder after another dominant display, with many calling him Sunderland’s most important signing in years.

For Sunderland fans, the performance against Manchester United felt like further proof that their captain has become the heartbeat of the team — and perhaps, as Shearer suggested, the finest midfielder currently operating in the Premier League.